PPP’s new leader promises to propose new type of special probe bill, but being delayed without promise

PPP’s new leader Han Dong-hoon (center), PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho (left), and PPP policy committee chairman Jeong Jeom-sig attend the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on July 29. Reporter Park Min-gyu

“If I become the party leader, I will propose a bill mandating a special counsel investigation into the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae Su-geun to find out the truth,” said Han Dong-hoon, the new leader of the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) when he announced his run for the party leader election. However, the promised third-party proposal for the special investigation bill is being delayed without promise. Han and the pro-Han faction cite opinion gathering as the reason, but critics say that they have retreated from their previous position.

In an interview with MBN on July 29, Han said, “I'm referring to a third-party special counsel investigation bill, which means an investigation conducted by a special prosecutors’ team appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court. This will clear the public's misunderstanding, and I’m trying to explain it well through the democratic process of the party. I think we should propose the bill," and added, "We will find a way that meets the public's expectation." In other words, he reaffirmed his position on proposing the special counsel investigation bill.

However, Han's words have yet to be translated into action. Shortly after being elected as the party leader, the special bill emerged as the "first issue" following the rejection of the re-vote on the bill, but no discussions have been made regarding the "Han’s Plan."

Only the atmosphere of “retreat” is confirmed in the remarks of those around Han. Jung Kwang-jae, a former spokesperson for Han’s camp, said on KBS radio on the same day, "Wouldn't it be a good idea to change the game forward and have a chance to explain it to the public in detail?" but added, "I think there is a need for sufficient discussion with the presidential office."

Han also appeared to retreat from his previous stance on the bill, saying on the 25th, after taking office, “We are a democratic party, so we are not a party that can be controlled by one person like Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).” Jang Dong-hyuk, the PPP’s Supreme Council member and a close aide to Han, said, “If the bill is rejected today (in the plenary session), there is no point in continuing the discussion on a third-party special investigation bill.”

These positions have a big difference in nuance from Han's previous remarks. During the party convention, Han repeatedly vowed to push for a special investigation conducted by the recommendation of third parties, including the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Han's distancing from the bill is likely due to the pressure caused by deteriorating relations with the presidential office and backlash from the party. The pro-Yoon (Suk-yeol) faction has been attacking Han as a betrayal of the president ever since he announced his stance on the third-party special investigation bill. Another task for Han is that consensus with the floor leadership is needed to win approval from the party.

The opposition parties are raising the level of pressure as Han shows hesitancy. The main opposition DPK aims to re-propose and pass the special probe bill in August. DPK’s senior spokesperson Lee Hae-sil said, “The party’s basic position is to re-propose a stronger special counsel investigation bill as suspicions of state affairs manipulation are gradually taking shape and new facts are emerging."

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.